Will County Gazette

The owner of Station One Smokehouse in downtown Plainfield is facing criticism after suggesting that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s assassination was, in part, the result of his own rhetoric.

“[M]ake no mistake, Charlie and people like him absolutely fan those flames,” Station One Smokehouse’s Justin Hudetz said on social media.

“Hateful rhetoric leads to hateful acts, and Charlie said plenty of hateful unChristian things. Everybody on both sides, especially those with public platforms, need to tone things down instead of saying inflammatory things to make a buck,” Hudetz said.

The remarks were shared by the social media campaign Liberals for the Unemployment Line 2026.

“The second contestant on liberals for the unemployment line 2026 goes to Justin Hudetz of Station One BBQ Plainfield, IL…..YOU’RE FIRED!!!!!!!” the group said.

Hudetz’s commentary has drawn comparisons to that of former MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd, who was fired after speculating on air that Kirk’s death may have been caused by a gun fired “in celebration” by one of his own supporters.

“He's been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech,” Dowd said. “You can't stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place.”

A screenshot shared online also showed Hudetz referring to MAGA supporters as “fascists.”

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., responded on X with a post criticizing rhetoric from political opponents.

“EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU WHO CALLED US FASCISTS DID THIS,” Luna said on X. “You were too busy doping up kids, cutting off their genitals, inciting racial violence by supporting orgs that exploit minorities, protecting criminals, and stirring hate. YOU ARE THE HATE you claim to fight. Your words caused this. Your hate caused this.”

Station One Smokehouse’s website and social media accounts remain active, but recent online reviews have included critical comments and calls for boycotts.

Hudetz’s post comes as part of a broader wave of public response to Kirk’s killing during a university event in Utah on Sept. 10. The suspect has been reported to hold leftist political views and lived with a transgender roommate.

Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in conservative politics. He launched the organization from a garage in Lemont and built it into a national platform with a reported $92 million budget and chapters on college campuses across the country.

Kirk began his political work as a student at Wheeling High School, where he volunteered for U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk’s campaign. His national profile grew during the Trump presidency, particularly for his role in youth outreach and conservative messaging.

He was fatally shot while speaking at the opening event of his “American Comeback Tour,” a campaign focused on opposing what he described as “anti-American indoctrination” in higher education.

He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.

President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and called Kirk “deeply loved and influential.”